Method for making a chain

ABSTRACT

A method for marking a chain having a plurality of chain links. At least one outer plate of a chain link is marked with at least one marking apparatus after the chain has been closed. The marking can be information relating to a chain manufacturing process or to a chain assembly process

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for marking a chain having a plurality of chain links.

2. Description of the Related Art

Chains serve, for example, as traction medium drives for various components, in particular for components and systems in the automotive field. The chains can also be employed by preference as timing chains for camshafts of motor vehicles.

With such chains it is common for chain links to be provided with markings in order to place certain information on the chain links. In the known methods for marking such chains, the markings are applied to the chain links during manufacture. That leads to the disadvantage that only limited marking of the chains is possible during manufacture, since only certain information is available at that time.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for marking a chain having a plurality of chain links, and in such a way that a less limited possible way of marking chains is facilitated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

That problem is solved in accordance with the invention by a method for marking a chain having a plurality of chain links, in which at least one outer plate of a chain link is marked with at least one marking apparatus at a time after the chain has been closed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An especially flexible type of labeling or marking can be realized with the method in accordance with the invention, because information, or the like, which is not available until after the chain is closed can then be applied to the outer plates of the chain links.

It is therefore possible in conjunction with a further refinement of the invention to provide for processed information from the manufacturing or assembly process of the chains to be used as a marking. The method in accordance with the present invention can process certain specified data from the procedure, such as the chain length or other information, and then apply that data to the chain with the flexible marking apparatus.

Preferably, in the method in accordance with the invention a mobile marking or labeling device can be used as the marking apparatus. For example, lasers or other devices can be employed for permanent or non-permanent marking. A mobile device has the advantage that especially flexible utilization for marking is possible.

It is especially advantageous if the link of the chain intended as the closing link is labeled or marked. That enables that significant part of the chain to be found in the simplest way, for example during assembly.

Furthermore, it is also possible for encrypted information to be applied to the chain with the method in accordance with the invention.

The proposed method can be utilized on chains by preference to apply multiple markings that differ in form and/or color. In that way, for example, a plurality of markings, even if provided side-by-side or on a plurality of chain links, can be recognized clearly and distinguished from each other because of their difference in shape and/or color.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is therefore intended to encompass within the appended claims all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A method for marking information on a chain having a plurality of chain links, said method comprising the steps of: closing an open chain segment to form a closed chain; and after the chain is closed marking at least one outer plate of a chain link with at least one marking apparatus.
 2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein processed information from at least one of a manufacturing process and an assembly process of the chain is marked on the at least one outer plate.
 3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein a mobile marking device is used as the marking apparatus.
 4. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the marking is applied to an outer plate of a link of the chain that is designed as a closing link.
 5. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein encrypted information is applied to the at least one outer plate.
 6. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein permanent markings are applied to the at least one outer plate.
 7. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein non-permanent markings are applied to the at least one outer plate. 